Out & About #233 | Commuting Adventures + Project Boyz Toronto

Commuting between cities on a Sunday isn't always the easiest task: options are few, and the transfer times aren't always convenient.

For those that live in decently close proximity to Ontario's second largest terminal hub, GO Transit still offers a good number of bus routes to and from Square One on the weekend. One of my favourite trips (and yes, it is possible to have a preferred bus route) is Route 40, which is an extension of the 47J. The route originally served the Hamilton, Trafalgar, and Square One GO stations, but has now been expanded further east to Pearson Airport and Richmond Hill Centre GO on Hwy 7.

Initially, to travel from Mississauga to Markham, one would need to first travel to Union or Finch, and then board the 71 to Unionville, or a TTC/YRT/Viva bus from Finch. Route 40 has greatly reduced my travel time to a mere 45 minutes - a drastic improvement from the previous two-hour commute.
​The fact that Route 40 utilizes the 407 as opposed to the 401 also helps ensure that riders are able to reach their destination of choice within the scheduled time frame.

I boarded my all-time favourite route early in the morning, and resided at Richmond Hill Centre GO for approximately nine minutes in anticipation of riding the Viva Bus Rapid Transit system for the first time since its completion on Markham's major arterial roads. Clean and comfy blue seats aside, the bus was very spacious and travelled swiftly along Hwy 7 before turning onto Enterprise Boulevard just before Town Centre Boulevard. Along the way, it was noticed that each stop was separated from adjacent lanes of traffic - definitely increasing rider safety - and equipped with ramps for maximum accessibility.

We also passed by Downtown Markham, an area near Unionville GO currently undergoing development.

After daytime activities, we headed off for dinner. I was in desperate need of picking up a reference book from a Chinese bookstore, so the group decided to feast upon bowls of customized noodles afterwards, seeing as the restaurant was located in the same plaza.

Deer Garden Signatures has two locations on the East End: one in Richmond Hill and the other along the Scarborough/Markham boundary. Situated in the same plaza as Aka-Oni, this location is larger in comparison to their Times Square spot and capable of seating approximately twice the volume. The decor featured the same black booths, white, glare-prone tables, and multi-coloured scale-like wall graphic; an interesting, Ripley's-esque fish design swirled along the perimeter of the lofty ceiling and in the centre of the dining area.

Majority of the group opted for customized noodle bowls, while I, being the least hungry, decided to try their club sandwich combo instead.

< Pictured above and below: Various types of customized noodle bowls, Fish Fillet Sandwich with Fries >

​I was informed that the noodle bowls would be the fastest items to order, and that the sandwiches would require a bit more time. While several of our orders were delivered to our table in ten minutes or less, my Fish Fillet Sandwich wasn't particularly tardy either. It arrived no more than thirty seconds after the noodle bowls; consisting of layers of thinly-sliced tomatoes, mayo-slathered lettuce shreds, crispy fish fillet, and cheddar cheese sandwiched between two slices of lightly toasted white bread, it made for a very satisfying dinner. The defrosted McCain fries that were accompanying it were, regrettably, less impressive though.

Service was admittedly attentive during the peak dinner rush, and orders were delivered with incredible speed and accuracy. The portion sizes were also great, considering that small eaters like myself can make two meals out of one order. The budget-friendly find totaled about twenty dollars per person. The single downside: they only accept payment in the forms of cash or debit. (Ugh​.)

It had been my suggestion to check out the Project Boyz Toronto even taking place at First Markham Place later on that evening. We arrived shortly after the show began, allowing me to witness both the fashion/catwalk section and physical ability competition.

To provide the contestants with sufficient time to change clothes prior to the commencement of the second event, guest singers had been invited to perform during the brief intermission.

With contestants re-appearing in workout gear some ten minutes later, a physical adeptness content took place, splitting the eight participants into teams of two.

The winning team was presented with a set of TVBuddies. All in all, the event was largely entertaining and served as a great practice run before the official competition is to take place in mid-June.

The group later headed over to Tracy Dessert, where not a single member was willing to split a Matcha Snow Ice with me. (Hmph.) As they gorged on Tofu Dessert and Mango Sago Pudding, I decided to head to Sharetea two doors down to pick up a slushie.

The Matcha and Red Bean Slushie I had been planning to order was discovered to be quite pricey at $5.10. A Lemon Sour Slushie was ordered instead, as Sharetea happened to be doing a 50% off promo for the month of May. (Score!)
Alas, it was unfortunate that this Sharetea location didn't accept credit either...

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